Bombay Natural History Society is one of India's largest non-governmental organizations that specialize in conservation of natural history. Read on for the history, trivia and achievements of BNHS.
Bombay Natural History Society
| Location: |
Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai |
| Highlights/Famous For: |
Nature conservation research |
| How to Reach: |
Board local train from Churchgate station to reach destination or hire auto-rickshaws or taxis. Buses are also available. |
| Timings: |
10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is one of India's biggest Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) that was founded in 1883. The sole aim of this organization is to conduct research activities and observations on natural history and displaying rare specimens. The BNHS specializes in the conservation of nature and natural resources as well as organizing education activities and exploration of natural history. Interesting specimens are exhibited in the Bombay Natural History Museum (BNHS). Naturalists, ornithologists and other qualified scientists within the country and all over the world, make visits to this museum in order to conduct their researches and observations. BNHS is a chief point of attraction for all tourists who ensure to visit all the sections of the museum and the various galleries as well. More than 30 countries are active members of this organization. This organization also publishes a quarterly journal known as 'The Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society" and a quarterly magazine called 'Hornbill". Today, nature enthusiasts from around the globe present and hand in rare specimens to the society. BNHS also received International Awards for its commitment to nature.
History, Trivia And Achievements
History
The society was formed by 2 Englishmen and two Indian men. What began as exchanging research notes between the men in an office provided by Mr. Phipson in 1883 soon became a large research and observation center that is seen today. Mr. Phipson desired a large museum, which turned into a reality on August 15, 1905. In 1921, a large collection of the BNHS was moved to the 'Prince of Wales Museum'. The Natural History section was built in 1933, as part of the Silver Jubilee program. In the same year, the BNHS logo was created, which was inspired by a hornbill called 'William' that once lived in the grounds of the society during the initial years of its inception. The guiding principle of the society was developed by Dr. Salim Ali, the legendary Naturalist and Ornithologist.
Trivia And Achievements
- The well-known 'Purple Frog', the first Indian Canopy Frog and the first Asian Leaf Folding Frog are exhibited at BNHS.
- The IBA program in India was first launched in BNHS.
- Conducted the ecological and behavioral study of the critically endangered 'Forest Owlet'.
- Conducted research on the dramatic loss of vultures in India and Siberian Cranes.
- BNHS organized the conservation and education campaign for the 'Great Indian Bustard'.
- Bird banding training program was organized in BNHS.
Visiting Access
The BNHS is not open to the public; therefore people generally take prior permissions in order to enter the society. Temporary membership of the society is also available for those who actively take part in the society's activities. Such a membership would allow one to access the society's library and the permission to attend weekly slideshows and lectures.
Bombay Natural History Society, a Non-governmental organization, was established in 1883 for the sole purpose of conducting research works and scientific observations of natural history. Dr. Salim Ali was the late president of the BNHS who directed the society into active conservation of natural and natural resources through scientific research.